Reigning Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year, UW star defensive lineman Vita Vea announced Monday night he will forgo his final years of eligibility and declare for the 2018 NFL Draft.

The Morris Trophy award winner, given to the best lineman in the Pac-12 Conference, is expected to be a first-round pick in April's draft. NFLdraftscout.com has Vea as the No. 3 defensive tackle in the 2018 draft class, and a recent SECCountry.com mock draft had the New Orleans Saints selecting him No. 27 overall.

Vea, a 6'5, 340-pound mauler returned to UW for his third season in 2017 after some projections had the Huskies lineman as a potential top 20 selection in last years draft.

Paired alongside Greg Gaines, who plans to return to UW for his senior season in 2018, Vea recorded 44 total tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks for the Huskies No. 6 ranked scoring defense.

Early in the fourth quarter against Penn State in the Fiesta Bowl, Vea ran over 40 yards down field to tackle DeAndre Hopkins on punt coverage. Vea plays as one of three blockers in front of punter Joel Whitford, along with right guard Nick Harris and tight end Will Dissly.

The Huskies also lost redshirt sophomore DL Ricky McCoy Monday night, who announced his decision to transfer home to Fresno State.